It is painfully clear that, for any number of reasons, I just don’t have what it takes to keep this blog going strong. By the same token, however, the site has become a rather valuable resource to a fairly large cross-section of bicycle enthusiasts in southeast Michigan. Hence, to abandon it altogether (formally, that is) seems ill-advised.

So, I’ve decided to follow a different route. In the spirit of randonneuring, I’m going to travel light and lively. I’m going to shed the cumbersome trappings of my bulky blog, and, donning only what will fit neatly in my jersey pockets and seat bag, focus greater attention on micro-blogging via Twitter (@velofolk) and Instagram (reading_elliott).

There might, on occasion, be something posted here at Hadrian on a Bicycle. The ride calendar, I think, will continue to run here, and my Twitter feed will remain live. But if you really want to be part of the action and stay up-to-date on local rides, gatherings, and news of interest to cyclists of all stripes in and around Lenawee County, fetch yourself a free Twitter account and tuck into the paceline.

Three years ago, this ride was on the verge of falling apart. Last year, we had a total of 43 riders (12 on the Kiwanis Trail, 21 on the 50K route, and 10 on the 100K route). The event raised over $2000 for the Charities. We’re making terrific progress, but I know we can do better.

Associated Charities does remarkable work for those in need in our community. What stands out to me most is the sense of dignity they help to provide and to nurture in their clients. The Charities is celebrating their centennial anniversary this year. Come out and celebrate with them.

The ACDC Ride is a great event. Highlights include…

Family-friendly 7- and 14-mile routes on the Kiwanis Trail

50K and 100K routes in scenic Lenawee County, MI, that will be as challenging (or not) as you want them to be

SAG support

Rest stops with water and snacks about every 12 miles, two of which have bona fide bathrooms, so you don’t have to go wandering into the corn rows when nature calls

RoadID coupons for everyone and gift certificates for a few lucky folks

Early-bird registration for our 2013 Michigan Tour de Cure, taking place on June 15 in Brighton, starts today and runs through next Tuesday, August 21.

Visit diabetes.org/michigantourdecure and use promo code ‘EARLYBIRD’ to register for only $5—that’s $10 off of our current registration fee and the lowest online registration we’ll offer this year!

Bonus: Register online in August and you’ll be qualified to win one of three $250 Amazon.com gift cards!

You can also visit our tent at the Birmingham Bike Festival on Sunday, August 26, in Birmingham, Mich., for free registration.

Either way, we hope you’ll join us in 2013!

I would really, really like to organize a team for the 2013 Tour de Cure in Brighton, and to participate in the event as a club. We could do some fun fundraising together as a club throughout the year, ride the same route together wearing our custom club t-shirts or jerseys, and celebrate together afterward in our team tent (provided we raise enough as a team by the deadline). What say you?

If you’re interested, let me know. And either way, I hope you’ll consider being part of the 2013 Tour de Cure, and take advantage of this great offer of an early registration discount. (Note: If you’re planning to ride as part of our group, join “Team Hadrian” when you register.)

The League of Michigan Bicyclists is running its first ever photo contest. Click here to get all the details and to enter. They’re offering some pretty sweet prizes, so give it a go. The deadline is November 19, 2012.

The Fat Cyclist posted a great piece on grades and climbing yesterday that’s well worth the read. The article does a very nice job of not only explaining what grade percentages mean, but also how they actually feel, which I’m sure is a much more accurate gauge for most of us to go by.

After reading his piece, I spent some time on Map My Ride, which provides an elevation chart for each map created, to get a sense of what sorts of climbs we have around here.

More often than not, most of us ride the stretch of Wilmoth between Sutton and Laberdee from north to south. Going that direction, you have a quarter-mile section at 3%. The climb is actually more difficult if you go in the reverse direction, where you’ll hit a 4% grade.

Hawkins Highway, between Slee and Laird, has quarter-mile sections that hit 3% and 6%.

Meanwhile, the beast hill I climbed on Sugar Island while on the MUP tour has a quarter-mile section that hits 7%.

All things considered, I really don’t know how accurate this information is. What are your thoughts? I’m also interested in hearing what you have to say generally about climbs in our area. Are there others you’ve done that would provide good points of comparison (or that you think we should try on the next club ride)?

Speaking of club rides, we had a great turn out last night. Thanks to everyone who came. There is talk of a Labor Day outing to Original Gravity Brewing Company in Milan, 30 miles each way with lunch in between. Chime in if your interested, and help spread the word.

Regrettably, I missed this past Monday’s club ride in Tipton. Fortunately however, Bob was kind enough to share the following:

We started out the watermelon ride from Tipton with 14 eager riders on a warm Monday evening ride. Two new riders that have joined us for their second ride was Jeff and Greg. I’m sure they will be back with us . John had a flat just before getting to the Pentecost Junction store and I backtracked and pumped his tire up so that he could make it to the store to change it. Bill had a blowout just before reaching Springville Highway from Lock Erin and John went back to Tipton to get his truck to rescue Bill. We ended up with 11 riders for watermelon at my house as some had departed for home. It was a good evening for some fellowship.

Yes, a good time was had by all. Of course, had I been along, those flats never would have happened. Sorry I missed it.

This blog is devoted foremost to anything having to do with bikes and bicycling in and around Lenawee County, Michigan. Cyclists of every ilk are welcome. There's lots of free bike parking available close to the door. So pull up a seat, and join the conversation.

Re-Bicycle Lenawee

313-315 E. Maumee St. (517.759.1427), Open Wed. & Sat., 12p-4p

My Commute

Want a taste of what it's like to see our fair city from the perspective of a bicycle? Click here to watch my commute. (My former commute, that is. Now I ride from Raisin Township.) I can assure you it isn't nearly as bumpy as the camera makes it seem!

Reasons I Ride a Bike

My daughters | It's fun & I enjoy it deeply | For my health | The sense of simplicity | It's relatively inexpensive | The sense of self-reliance & independence | I see it as an act of public responsibility | The sense of being in or part of my environment | To be part of a community | Why not? | For a hobby (for lack of a better word), i.e., to have something other than work to do, think, & talk about | It clears my head in a way very few things do | It's capable of slowing the world down & teaching patience | When commuting, it's quicker than a car more often than not & you get better parking spaces | I've never been a car guy | To be outside | The view | What Would Lance Do? | It's fashionable (sometimes) | It's unfashionable (sometimes) | So I can order anything from the menu | For those who cannot & their supporters | The easy exchange of pleasantries with others while en route